Note-taking methods for lectures

Are you finding it hard to sift through the most important information during your lectures then check out these tips to ensure effective note-taking

Cornell Method

  • How it works: Divide your page into three sections: a narrow left column for keywords/questions, a larger right column for detailed notes, and a summary area at the bottom.
  • Benefits: Encourages active listening and helps you identify the main points, making it easier to review and study later.

Outline Method

  • How it works: Use bullet points or numbers to create a hierarchical structure, with main topics as headings and subtopics indented underneath.
  • Benefits: Great for organized lectures with clear structures. It makes it easy to see the relationship between concepts.

Mind Mapping

  • How it works: Start with a central idea in the middle of the page and draw branches for related topics, using keywords, symbols, and drawings.
  • Benefits: Perfect for visual learners and when the lecture content involves interconnected ideas. It helps with memorization and understanding of complex topics.

Flow Notes

  • How it works: Instead of writing everything in a linear way, write your notes as a mix of thoughts, diagrams, arrows, and links. Follow the lecture’s natural flow.
  • Benefits: Encourages you to understand the material as it’s being presented and allows for flexibility if the lecture takes unexpected turns.

Charting Method

  • How it works: Create a table with different columns for categories such as topic, main idea, details, and questions.
  • Benefits: Useful when you need to compare and contrast information or when the lecture provides data-heavy content.

Sentence Method

  • How it works: Write each new thought, fact, or point on a separate line, using bullets or numbers.
  • Benefits: Simple to use and works well for fast-paced lectures where you need to get the most information down quickly.
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Note taking is so important! I usually used a Cornell method but I really want to try the flow notes method! I’m just curious which method are you using right now and which one you find most efiicient?

I tend to use the outline method, usually due to the speed of the lectures I find it hard to keep up so try to get everything down as soon as possible.

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mind mapping works best for me!

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some great tips!

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